The Basque club made the move after Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Getafe left them 15th in La Liga, 12 points above the relegation places with nine games left.

A club statement read: "Real Sociedad have decided to rescind the contract of first-team coach Eusebio Sacristan.

"The club went to thank Eusebio Sacristan for his contribution, professionalism and dedication that he showed during his time in charge of the first team, and at the same time wish him all the best for both his professional and personal future."

Sacristan, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, took charge of Sociedad in November 2015 and led the team to a sixth-placed finish last season and a spot in the Europa League.

Sociedad's interest in that competition ended last month with a 4-3 aggregate defeat to Salzburg in the round of 32, while in La Liga they have lost eight of their 12 matches in 2018, winning just three.

They are away to Basque rivals Eibar in their first match back after the international break, with reserve-team coach Imanol Alguacil having been put in charge until the end of the season.